The arrivals of the Atlantic Challenge followed one another tonight (Saturday night to Sunday, April 14, 2019) in La Rochelle, the final stage of this Class40 race between Guadeloupe, Horta and France. The top three - Earëndil, Aïna Enfance et Avenir and Made In Midi - fought hard during these 5 days to reach the top in La Rochelle
And it is the Class40 Earendil of Pietro Luciani, Antoine Carpentier and Edouard Marie Alikiagalilei who wins this last stage. The trio crossed the finish line on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 02:39 hours 39 minutes and 34 seconds (local time), with a journey time of 5 days, 11 hours, 39 minutes and 34 seconds, at an average speed of 9.80 knots
Aymeric Chappellier (Aïna Enfance et Avenir) always accompanied by his acolytes Eric Quesnel and Rodrigue Cabaz crossed the finish line in second position. The three crew members arrived at 02:56 hours 56 minutes and 29 seconds (local time) after a journey time of 5 days, 11 hours, 56 minutes and 34 seconds, at an average speed of 9.79 knots.
With an overall journey time between Pointe-à-Pitre and La Rochelle of 15 days, 03 hours, 42 minutes and 48 seconds, he won this first edition of the Atlantic Challenge. After a second place in the Route du Rhum in 2018, this time he is dressed as the winner. Félicitations?!
"It's true, I wanted this victoire?! Our opponents were tough and never gave up. We end up very close to them. This race was very tiring. The loss of our large spinnaker which explodes in a "planted" from the second day has put us in great demand. We spent hours repairing it, once, twice, three times. We alternated between the helm and the repair, to the detriment of sleep. We had to work hard to stay in the game. We finish very close to Earendil who sailed very well. This racing format is great. It's good to do a transatlantic race from West to East, which opens the game up a lot, very interesting strategically. And it's better to come back by sea than by cargo, right? Yes, I am very happy to bring back this victory and to arrive home..." explained the winner on his arrival
Kito de Pavant and Alex Pella (Made In Midi) complete the podium of this Atlantic Challenge.
Another French duo, Pierre and Marion Mortefon, also appeared on the podium. The siblings climbed to third place on the podiums of the men's and women's events and won the bronze medal in the world ranking.
1st - Aïna Enfance et avenir - Aymeric Chappellier:
His overall race time over the two legs since Pointe-à-Pitre, 3,800 theoretical miles, is 15 days, 03 hours, 42 minutes and 48 seconds, at an average speed of 9.67 knots.
2nd - Earendil Catherine Pourre / Pietro Luciani :
His overall race time over the two legs since Pointe-à-Pitre, 3,800 theoretical miles, is 15 days, 12 hours, 24 minutes and 15 seconds, at an average speed of 9.44 knots.
3rd - Made in Midi - Kito de Pavant:
His overall race time over the two legs since Pointe-à-Pitre, 3,800 theoretical miles, is 16 days, 13 hours, 22 minutes and 05 seconds, at an average speed of 8.85 knots.
